March, 2016
Why To Kill a Mockingbird is Not a Timeless Classic How one construes a “timeless classic” differs from reader to reader, therefore many have dissimilar views on if one novel belongs in the category of a “timeless classic”. However, for a story to be dubbed a “timeless classic”, it needs to include fresh and original themes and realistic characters who can be relatable to readers. Throughout the course of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, proves itself to be far from being considered a timeless classic; not only are the multiple themes cliched and unoriginal, the characters are absolutely difficult to relate to due to the way they are constructed as unrealistic and/or idealized. Part of the reason why To …show more content…
Throughout the story, Scout narrates at different ages: from 6 to 8 years old and when she is an adult. However, the words she uses are more advanced, and the descriptions are clear, showing Scout having incredible memory (as an adult) or a higher vocabulary (as a child), making her character seem unrealistic. This is demonstrated when Scout elucidates “[Atticus] sets me on my feet, and I [make] a secret reconnaissance of Jem. He [seems] to be all in one piece, but he had a queer look on his face” (109). From the narration, “reconnaissance” and “queer” are two vocabulary words that can make readers scramble for a dictionary. “Reconnaissance” is to survey or research, while “queer” is strange/odd, both words above seven-year-old Scout’s own bank of vocabulary, despite being ahead in her class. However, if this were an older Scout narrating, this certain memory would’ve been extraordinarily clear; Scout manages to recall the offbeat emotion on her brother’s face, as well as Atticus “[setting her] on [her] feet”, actions that should’ve faded within years are still crystal in her mind. The bonds readers attempt to create between themselves and Scout cannot begin because relating to the character is burdensome, especially since Scout is written as a child genius with a phenomenal mind. Another example of an unrealistic character is Atticus. Atticus is constructed as the most idealized yet flat character in the book. Scout asks Atticus after the Mrs. Dubose and Jem incident if he is an n-word lover, with Atticus responding “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody” (113). In a perfect world, there would be no such
Why To Kill a Mockingbird is Not a Timeless Classic How one construes a “timeless classic” differs from reader to reader, therefore many have dissimilar views on if one novel belongs in the category of a “timeless classic”. However, for a story to be dubbed a “timeless classic”, it needs to include fresh and original themes and realistic characters who can be relatable to readers. Throughout the course of the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, proves itself to be far from being considered a timeless classic; not only are the multiple themes cliched and unoriginal, the characters are absolutely difficult to relate to due to the way they are constructed as unrealistic and/or idealized. Part of the reason why To …show more content…
Throughout the story, Scout narrates at different ages: from 6 to 8 years old and when she is an adult. However, the words she uses are more advanced, and the descriptions are clear, showing Scout having incredible memory (as an adult) or a higher vocabulary (as a child), making her character seem unrealistic. This is demonstrated when Scout elucidates “[Atticus] sets me on my feet, and I [make] a secret reconnaissance of Jem. He [seems] to be all in one piece, but he had a queer look on his face” (109). From the narration, “reconnaissance” and “queer” are two vocabulary words that can make readers scramble for a dictionary. “Reconnaissance” is to survey or research, while “queer” is strange/odd, both words above seven-year-old Scout’s own bank of vocabulary, despite being ahead in her class. However, if this were an older Scout narrating, this certain memory would’ve been extraordinarily clear; Scout manages to recall the offbeat emotion on her brother’s face, as well as Atticus “[setting her] on [her] feet”, actions that should’ve faded within years are still crystal in her mind. The bonds readers attempt to create between themselves and Scout cannot begin because relating to the character is burdensome, especially since Scout is written as a child genius with a phenomenal mind. Another example of an unrealistic character is Atticus. Atticus is constructed as the most idealized yet flat character in the book. Scout asks Atticus after the Mrs. Dubose and Jem incident if he is an n-word lover, with Atticus responding “I certainly am. I do my best to love everybody” (113). In a perfect world, there would be no such